Saturday, 21 May 2016

Background promo - Brooklyn-based Heliotropes have released the official audio for 'Normandy,' the second track from their upcoming album Over There That Way, out July 15 via The End Records. Heliotropes is comprised of founding member/songwriter/vocalist Jessica Numsuwankijkul, along with a rotating cast of collaborators, including drummer Gregg Giuffré, bassist Richard Thomas, and guitarist Ricci Swift, who are all featured on the band's upcoming album.

The band's first recorded offering came with 2012's Ribbons 7", followed the next year by their debut LP entitled A Constant Sea, which was named by Mother Jones as one of the 10 Best Albums Of 2013. Since then, the band has performed on the road with Esben And The Witch and toured nationally with stops at South By Southwest, Firefly and Culture Collide, sharing the stage with a far-reaching variety of bands including Thurston Moore, The Geto Boys, Matt and Kim, Kurt Vile, Parquet Courts, The Black Angels and The Raveonettes.

6/16 - New York, NY - Palisades

Heliotropes have a lush flowing sound within the song 'Normandy' drawn along by soft captivating vocals and a strong melodic line. It compares well with previous offering 'Easy' and suggests we are in for a diverse and pleasing album this coming July.

Background promo - Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal’s combination of soul, funk and R&B is in a word, electric. Best displayed in their high-energy live show, the blend of Hoyer’s honest lyrics and his soulful (sometimes in-your-face) vocals merge with his top-notch band to create an undeniable chemistry.The magic of their live show caught the attention of producer Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo), who joined with the band to record their third full-length album. Their most ambitious project to date, Running From Love was recorded at Nashville’s historic Sound Emporium, and once again features Hoyer’s trademark vocals and the band’s signature groove. The album was released on April 8, 2016, on Silver Street Records, on vinyl, CD and digital formats.The hard working band completed several national tours in 2015, playing more than 150 shows in 32 states, including opening for R&B legends George Clinton/Funkadelic and Booker T Jones. The band is supporting the release of the new album with tours through the Midwest and Southern markets, including Omaha, Denver, Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis, Chicago, St Louis, Indianapolis, and Nashville, among others.

They have been described as "Authentic Soul/Funk with a punch...", and I cannot argue with that. 'Natural' is one of ten potent songs on what is a exceptional collection of tracks. Josh Hoyer has the power and energy a vocalist needs to surround himself with such excellent musicians, especially when they seem hell bent on bringing the roof down.

Since releasing a debut EP in 2014, she has topped Triple J Unearthed charts, gained national radio play, and been recognised for her writing with "Honourable Mentions" in the International Songwriting Competition and QMusic Awards. With a growing CV of support credentials for artists including Woodlock, Montaigne and Ayl a, Fieu is a fresh face that is swiftly becoming a familiar one.

'Impossible' may as well refer to Emily’s vocal prowess, which while being absolutely stunning, is perfectly showcased in this single. This was achieved with the help of Aria award winning producer Joel Quatermain (Meg Mac, Eskimo Jo e, Little Birdy) who has strengthened her ability to layer detailed instrumentation under soaring vocals. Being the first of many releases prepared for 2016, ‘Impossible’ is the perfect intro to the new Fieu. Impossible single launch at Brisbane's The Zoo, June 2nd.

'Impossible' is a really good example of how pop music can still be fresh and pleasing. Fieu has a fine voice, and with such a well constructed song and soundtrack, it allows her to shine.

Background bio - Australian duo and Leisure Coast legends Hockey Dad are set to release their debut album Boronia on August 12th via Brooklyn indie label Kanine Records. Their story is simple: best mates first, band second, and their music flows from their surroundings: sunny and jangly guitar driven rock complete with anthemic choruses. Yet please do not mistake their laid back vibes for anything but tight execution and a drive to share their good times with the world.

Zach Stephenson (guitars/vocals) and Billy Fleming (drums) have been best friends since age 4. Living two doors down on Boronia Street in the small Australian coastal town of Windang, it was around 13 when they discovered Zach's Dad's old gear in his garage and about 15 when they started sneaking into local music venue RAD BAR and playing other bands' instruments while they were not around. By 18, they were touring Australia under the name Hockey Dad, which was gleaned from a Simpsons episode. The duo brings an incredible energy and youth to their warm and jangly guitar tones, telling tales of beaches and babes.

The past year has seen the duo move from aspiring garage band to Australian indie pop stars. After releasing their debut EP Dreamin' on local Aussie label Farmer and the Owl, Hockey Dad won Triple J's Unearthed Fall Festival Competition in 2014 gaining them national radio play and sold out shows across Australia. With headlining festival appearances in their hometown under their belt, in 2015 they headed stateside for CMJ where they met up with Brooklyn indie Kanine Records (Surfer Blood, Splashh, Beverly) and cemented a deal to release their debut album in the US.

Boronia is 11 tracks of pure unadulterated fun that comes straight out of the surf and skate culture surrounding them in their native Wollongong. "As a kid growing up, it was inevitable that we'd be picking up boards and hitting the waves, as we're only a couple minutes walk away from the beach. The video for 'I Need A Woman' serves as a dedication to our childhood, just hanging around the beach and having sick fun." But skating and surfing wasn't enough to fill up their days, Billy grew up on his older brother's stash of 90's punk, while Zach grew up with his dad's collection of Aussie Gold records. "It's funny because one minute we'll be throwing bones to Parkway Drive, and next thing we're sobbing to Aretha Franklin."

Their debut album Boronia is a testament of the good times that the boys have pouring out of them. And now they want to share those good times with the world.

'So Tired' has already received plenty of plays and no wonder, the duo's brand of indie pop is just so bright and smile inducing. They deliver an expansive sound, with uncomplicated themes and so much dynamic energy. They have seemingly captured sun and surf and converted it to music, last band to do that so naturally well may have been The Beach Boys!